Communication method, communication apparatus, and communication system

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method, a communication apparatus, and a communication system. The method comprises: a terminal sends a first signal to a second access network node, and receives response information of the first signal from a first access network node; and the terminal sends random access request information to the second access network node on the basis of the response information, wherein the first access network node and the second access network node are different access network nodes of a serving cell of the terminal. The reliability of a terminal accessing an access network node can be improved.

Description

Communication methods, communication devices and communication systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510125374.4, filed on January 26, 2025, entitled "Communication Method, Communication Apparatus and Communication System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method, communication device, and communication system. Background Technology

[0003] To improve peak cell rates and edge coverage, distributed massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) is introduced. Multiple continuously covering access network nodes (such as transmission reception points, TRPs) guarantee the coverage and transmission rate of a cell. Multiple TRPs can communicate with each other, facilitating the elimination of interference between them.

[0004] TRPs (Transmission Points) can provide uplink and downlink transmission services to terminals within their coverage area via uplink and downlink. Currently, the concept of asymmetric TRPs refers to TRPs that can provide either uplink or downlink transmission services only to terminals. For example, a TRP that only provides uplink transmission services means that its radio frequency channel only supports receiving uplink signals and does not support transmitting downlink signals. Such TRPs are often used at cell edges to improve uplink coverage at the cell edge. Another application scenario is that due to network energy saving, base stations may disable the downlink transmission function of certain TRPs. These TRPs with their downlink transmission function disabled become asymmetric TRPs that only provide uplink services.

[0005] However, for TRPs that only provide uplink transmission services, since the TRP does not send downlink signals, how the terminal can access the TRP and have the TRP provide transmission services to the terminal becomes a problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system that can improve the reliability of terminal access to access network nodes.

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal or a unit / module / component (such as a chip, chip system, logic circuit, or software) configurable in (or usable in) the terminal. The following explanation uses the execution of this method by a terminal as an example.

[0008] The method includes: a terminal sending a first signal to a second access network node; the terminal receiving response information from the first access network node regarding the first signal; and the terminal sending a random access request to the second access network node based on the response information. The first access network node and the second access network node are different access network nodes of the terminal's serving cell.

[0009] According to the above scheme, in order to improve the efficiency of terminal access to the second access network node, the terminal can send a first signal before sending random access request information, so that the second access network node can measure the first signal and obtain the measurement result. This enables the network side to obtain the uplink quality between the terminal and the second access network node. Based on the uplink quality, the network side can determine whether the second access network node can provide uplink transmission service to the terminal. If it can, the network side will notify the terminal to access the second access network node through the first access network node that has established a downlink connection with the terminal. This can improve the reliability and efficiency of the terminal accessing the second access network node.

[0010] Optionally, the first signal is used to wake up at least one access network node, including the second access network node. Alternatively, the first signal may be referred to as a wake-up signal.

[0011] For example, the first signal can be an OOK signal, which requires less transmission bandwidth, has higher power density, and is easily detected. Alternatively, in other examples, the first signal can be an FSK signal, a parallel OOK signal, or a specific symbol sequence based on an OFDM waveform.

[0012] The aforementioned random access request information is used by the terminal to request access to the second access network node. In other words, the terminal sends random access request information to the second access network node in order to enable the second access network node to provide uplink transmission services for the terminal.

[0013] For example, the random access request information may be message 1 (Msg.1) in a 4-step random access process, or the random access request information may be message A (Msg.A) in a 2-step random access process.

[0014] In one alternative implementation, if the terminal does not receive the response information within a first time period after sending the first signal, it sends a retransmission signal for the first signal.

[0015] According to the above scheme, if the terminal does not receive a response to the first signal, it can assume that the network has not detected the first signal. Therefore, the terminal can resend the first signal, or retransmit the first signal, or send a retransmission of the first signal, to increase the probability that the network detects the first signal. For example, the first signal could be an OOK signal. Since the power consumption of a network node receiving an OOK signal is lower than the power consumption of receiving random access information, waking up the access network node using the first signal is more efficient.

[0016] In another optional implementation, if the terminal does not receive the response information within a first time period after sending the first signal, and the number of transmissions of the first signal has not reached the maximum number of transmissions or the number of retransmissions of the first signal has not reached the maximum number of retransmissions, then the terminal sends a retransmission signal for the first signal.

[0017] It is understandable that the terminal will stop sending retransmission signals for the first signal when the number of transmissions or retransmissions of the first signal reaches the maximum. The terminal may assume that the uplink quality with the second access network node is poor, and that the second access network node is unsuitable for providing uplink transmission services to the terminal, thus reducing unnecessary power consumption.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the response information is used to indicate at least one of the following parameters:

[0019] The carrier, time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, or power control parameters of the random access request information.

[0020] According to the above scheme, the response information of the first signal can indicate at least one transmission parameter for sending random access request information, and the terminal can send random access request information according to the transmission parameters indicated by the response information.

[0021] In other implementations, the response information may not indicate the transmission parameters of the random access request information. It can be understood that the response information is used to trigger the terminal to send the random access request information. The terminal can send the random access request information according to the transmission parameters of the first signal, the transmission parameters predefined by the protocol, or the transmission parameters pre-configured by the network through signaling.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the terminal receiving first information, the first information being used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the first signal:

[0023] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, retransmission mode, or its association with random access channels.

[0024] For example, the first information may be sent to the terminal by the first access network node. The terminal may send a first signal based on the first information, so that the terminal sends a first signal that meets the requirements according to the network configuration, thereby enabling the network side and the terminal to reach a consensus on the transmission of the first signal.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the terminal sending a first signal includes: the terminal sending a second signal, the second signal being used for uplink synchronization of the first signal. The terminal sends the first signal.

[0026] According to the above scheme, the terminal can first send a second signal for the receiver to achieve synchronization, and then send the first signal, so that the second access network node can receive the first signal after the receiver achieves synchronization, and can obtain the uplink signal quality more accurately.

[0027] In one optional implementation, the terminal sending the first signal includes: the terminal receiving second information from the first access network node, the second information indicating that the second access network node has completed the uplink synchronization. The terminal then sends the first signal based on the second information.

[0028] Optionally, the terminal receives second information from the first access network node during the second time period.

[0029] According to the above scheme, the terminal can send the first signal after receiving the second information and determining that the second access network node has completed uplink synchronization. This can avoid the terminal sending the first signal if the second access network node has not received the second signal, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption of the terminal.

[0030] In another alternative implementation, the terminal sends the first signal after a second time period following the transmission of the second signal.

[0031] According to the above scheme, the terminal sends the first signal a certain period of time after the second signal, which can simplify the pre-access process, reduce the latency caused by pre-access, and improve the efficiency of pre-access.

[0032] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the terminal receiving third information, the third information being used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the second signal:

[0033] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, time interval between the carrier and the first signal, or correlation with the first signal.

[0034] Optionally, the terminal can determine the second time period based on the time interval between the first signal and the second signal configured by the third information.

[0035] For example, the third information may be sent to the terminal by the first access network node. The terminal may send a second signal based on the third information, so that the terminal sends a second signal that meets the requirements according to the network configuration, thereby enabling the network side and the terminal to reach a consensus on the transmission of the second signal.

[0036] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first signal is the on / off key control OOK signal.

[0037] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the terminal sending capability information, which indicates that the terminal supports sending an OOK signal, specifically indicating one or more of the following:

[0038] Supported carrier for transmitting OOK signals, supported uplink for transmitting OOK signals (regular uplink and / or supplementary uplink), supported waveform types of OOK signals, supported antenna port configuration for transmitting OOK signals, supported sequence length of OOK signals, and supported maximum transmit power for transmitting OOK signals.

[0039] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second access network node, which can be a network device or a unit / module / component (such as a chip, chip system, logic circuit or software) configurable in (or usable in) a network device.

[0040] The method includes: a second access network node receiving a first signal from a terminal; the second access network node sending fourth information, which is obtained based on the first signal; and the second access network node receiving random access request information from the terminal.

[0041] According to the above scheme, when the second access network node receives the first signal, it can be assumed that the second access network node is capable of providing uplink transmission services to the terminal. The second access network node can send a fourth message to enable the network side to notify the terminal to send a random access request message. This can improve the reliability and efficiency of the terminal's access to the second access network node.

[0042] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second access network node determining the fourth information based on the measurement result obtained from measuring the first signal.

[0043] According to the above scheme, the second access network node can obtain the uplink quality between the terminal and the second access network node based on the first signal. This allows the network side to determine whether the second access network node can provide uplink transmission services to the terminal based on the uplink quality. If it can, the network side notifies the terminal to access the second access network node through the first access network node, which has established a downlink connection with the terminal. This improves the reliability and efficiency of the terminal's access to the second access network node. In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second access network node receives random access request information from the terminal, including: the second access network node obtaining fifth information. The second access network node receives the random access request information from the terminal based on the fifth information.

[0044] According to the above scheme, the fifth information may come from other nodes on the network side, or the fifth information may be sent to the physical layer by a higher layer of the protocol layer (i.e., the upper layer of the physical layer) of the second access network node. Specifically, the second access network node may receive random access request information from the terminal based on the fifth information.

[0045] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the fourth information has one or more of the following functions:

[0046] Used to configure the terminal to send random access request information to the second access network node;

[0047] Used to indicate that the first signal has been received;

[0048] Used to indicate the measurement result of the first signal.

[0049] According to the above scheme, the second access network node can use the above-mentioned multiple implementation methods of the fourth information to enable the network side to notify the terminal to send random access request information.

[0050] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0051] The carrier, time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, or power control parameters of the random access request information.

[0052] According to the above scheme, the second access network node can determine the transmission parameters for the terminal to send random access request information based on the measurement of the first signal, which enables the terminal to send random access request information using transmission parameters that match the uplink, thereby improving the reliability of the terminal accessing the second access network node.

[0053] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first signal is specifically used to wake up the second access network node.

[0054] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second access network node receiving a first signal from the terminal includes: the second access network node receiving the first signal from the terminal via a first receiver. The second access network node receiving random access request information from the terminal includes: the second access network node receiving the random access request information from the terminal via a second receiver based on the first signal.

[0055] Optionally, the first receiver and the second receiver can be receivers operating in different frequency bands.

[0056] Optionally, the power consumption of the first receiver is lower than that of the second receiver.

[0057] According to the above scheme, the second access network node detects the first signal through a low-power receiver. On the one hand, this enables energy saving on the network side. On the other hand, for example, when the first signal is a simple signal such as an OOK signal, the low-power receiver detects the first signal independently of the OFDM system, saving energy while isolating interference and improving the accuracy of the second access network node in obtaining uplink measurements based on the first signal.

[0058] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the second access network node receives random access request information from the terminal via the second receiver based on the first signal, including: the second access network node waking up the second receiver based on the first signal; and the second access network node receiving the random access request information from the terminal via the second receiver.

[0059] It should be understood that the aforementioned second access network node waking up the master receiver may include, but is not limited to, switching the master receiver's state to a normal operating state when the master receiver is in a sleep state, such as a low-power state or a non-operating state during sleep. Alternatively, it may involve switching the master receiver from a state of not detecting random access request information to a state of detecting random access request information.

[0060] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second access network node acquiring sixth information, the sixth information being used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the first signal:

[0061] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, retransmission mode, or its association with random access channels.

[0062] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second access network node receiving the first signal includes: the second access network node receiving a second signal, the second signal being used for uplink synchronization of the first signal. The second access network node receiving the first signal.

[0063] According to the above scheme, a second signal can be sent before the first signal. This second signal is used for uplink synchronization of the first signal. After the second access network node obtains the synchronization of the terminal's uplink signal based on the second signal, the second access network node then receives the first signal, which allows for a more accurate acquisition of uplink quality. In other words, the terminal sends two levels of signals before sending the random access request information. The upper-level signal (the second signal) is used for synchronization of the lower-level signal (the first signal). Alternatively, the second signal and the first signal use the same receiver, with the second signal used to achieve uplink synchronization of the receiver. This allows for a more accurate acquisition of uplink quality.

[0064] In one optional embodiment, the second access network node sending the first signal includes: the second access network node sending second information, the second information indicating that the second access network node has completed the uplink synchronization. The second access network node receives the first signal. In another optional embodiment, the second access network node sending the first signal includes: the second access network node receiving the first signal within a second time period after receiving the second signal.

[0065] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second access network node acquiring seventh information, the seventh information being used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the second signal:

[0066] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, time interval between the carrier and the first signal, or correlation with the first signal.

[0067] Optionally, the second access network node can determine the second time period based on the time interval between the first signal and the second signal configured in the seventh information.

[0068] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first access network node, which can be a network device or a unit / module / component (such as a chip, chip system, logic circuit or software) configurable in (or usable in) a network device.

[0069] The method includes: a first access network node receiving fourth information from a second access network node, the fourth information being determined based on a first signal from a terminal; and the first access network node sending response information for the first signal to the terminal based on the fourth information.

[0070] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the first access network node sending fifth information to the second access network node based on the fourth information, the fifth information being used to instruct the second access network node to receive the random access request information of the terminal.

[0071] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the fourth information includes one or more of the following functions:

[0072] Used to configure the terminal to send random access request information to the second access network node;

[0073] Used to indicate that the first signal has been received;

[0074] Used to indicate the measurement result of the first signal.

[0075] In conjunction with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0076] The carrier, time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, or power control parameters of the random access request information.

[0077] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: a first access network node receiving second information from the second access network node, the second information indicating that the second access network node has completed the uplink synchronization. The first access network node then sends the second information to the terminal.

[0078] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: a first access network node sending first information, the first information being used to configure the first signal, the first information specifically configuring at least one of the following parameters of the first signal:

[0079] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, retransmission mode, or its association with random access channels.

[0080] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: a first access network node sending third information, the third information being used to configure the second signal, the third information specifically configuring at least one of the following parameters of the second signal:

[0081] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, time interval between the carrier and the first signal, or correlation with the first signal.

[0082] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: a first access network node receiving capability information, which indicates that the terminal supports sending an OOK signal, specifically indicating one or more of the following:

[0083] Supported carrier for transmitting OOK signals, supported uplink for transmitting OOK signals (regular uplink and / or supplementary uplink), supported waveform types of OOK signals, supported antenna port configuration for transmitting OOK signals, supported sequence length of OOK signals, and supported maximum transmit power for transmitting OOK signals.

[0084] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a communication system including at least one first access network node and at least one second access network node, wherein the access network node can be a network device or a unit / module / component (such as a chip, chip system, logic circuit or software) configurable in (or usable in) a network device.

[0085] The method includes: a second access network node receiving a first signal from a terminal; the second access network node sending fourth information to a first access network node, the fourth information being derived from the first signal; the first access network node sending response information for the first signal to the terminal based on the fourth information; and the second access network node receiving random access request information from the terminal.

[0086] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first access network node sends fifth information to the second access network node based on the fourth information. This fifth information instructs the second access network node to receive the random access request information from the terminal. The second access network node receiving the random access request information from the terminal includes: the second access network node acquiring the fifth information and, based on the fifth information, receiving the random access request information from the terminal.

[0087] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second access network node receives a second signal, which is used for uplink synchronization of the first signal. The second access network node receives the first signal.

[0088] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second access network node sends second information to the first access network node, the second information indicating that the second access network node has completed the uplink synchronization. The first access network node sends the second information to the terminal. The terminal receives the first signal.

[0089] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. In one design, the device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In one design, the device includes: a transceiver unit for transmitting a first signal to a second access network node. The transceiver unit is also used to receive response information from the first access network node regarding the first signal. A processing unit is used to control the transceiver unit to send random access request information to the second access network node based on the response information. The first access network node and the second access network node are different access network nodes of the serving cell of the terminal.

[0090] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a retransmission signal for the first signal if no response information is received within a first time period after the first signal is sent. Alternatively, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a retransmission signal for the first signal if no response information is received within a first time period after the first signal is sent, and the number of transmissions or retransmissions of the first signal has not reached the maximum number of transmissions or retransmissions.

[0091] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the response information is used to indicate at least one of the following parameters:

[0092] The carrier, time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, or power control parameters of the random access request information.

[0093] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is configured to receive first information, the first information being used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the first signal:

[0094] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, retransmission mode, or its association with random access channels.

[0095] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is specifically used to: transmit a second signal for uplink synchronization of the first signal; and transmit the first signal.

[0096] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is specifically configured to: receive second information from the first access network node, the second information being used to indicate that the second access network node has completed the uplink synchronization; and, based on the second information, send the first signal.

[0097] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is specifically used to transmit the first signal after a second time period following the transmission of the second signal.

[0098] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: the transceiver unit is specifically configured to receive third information, the third information being used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the second signal:

[0099] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, time interval between the carrier and the first signal, or correlation with the first signal.

[0100] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the first signal is the on / off key control OOK signal.

[0101] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: the transceiver unit is also configured to transmit capability information, which indicates that the terminal supports transmitting an OOK signal, specifically indicating one or more of the following:

[0102] Supported carrier for transmitting OOK signals, supported uplink for transmitting OOK signals (regular uplink and / or supplementary uplink), supported waveform types of OOK signals, supported antenna port configuration for transmitting OOK signals, supported sequence length of OOK signals, and supported maximum transmit power for transmitting OOK signals.

[0103] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. In one design, the device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect or any of the embodiments of the second aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In one design, the device includes: a transceiver unit for receiving a first signal from a terminal; a processing unit for obtaining fourth information based on the first signal; and the transceiver unit for transmitting the fourth information. The transceiver unit is also used to receive random access request information from the terminal.

[0104] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the processing unit is used to determine the fourth information based on the measurement result obtained from measuring the first signal.

[0105] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the processing unit is also used to acquire the fifth information. Specifically, the transceiver unit is used to receive random access request information from the terminal based on the fifth information.

[0106] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is specifically configured to receive a first signal from the terminal via a first receiver. The transceiver unit is specifically configured to receive random access request information from the terminal via a second receiver based on the first signal.

[0107] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the processing unit is specifically used to wake up the second receiver according to the first signal, and to receive the random access request information of the terminal through the second receiver.

[0108] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to acquire sixth information, which is used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the first signal:

[0109] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, retransmission mode, or its association with random access channels.

[0110] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is specifically used to receive a second signal, which is used for uplink synchronization of the first signal, and further, to receive the first signal.

[0111] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to send second information, which is used to indicate that the second access network node has completed the uplink synchronization, and the transceiver unit is specifically used to receive the first signal according to the second information.

[0112] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is specifically used to receive the first signal after a second time period following the receipt of the second signal.

[0113] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to acquire seventh information, which is used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the second signal:

[0114] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, time interval between the carrier and the first signal, or correlation with the first signal.

[0115] A seventh aspect provides a communication device. In one design, the device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third aspect or any of the embodiments of the third aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In one design, the device includes: a transceiver unit for receiving fourth information from a second access network node, the fourth information being determined based on a first signal from a terminal; and a processing unit for determining response information for the first signal based on the fourth information. The transceiver unit is further configured to send the response information for the first signal to the terminal.

[0116] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to send fifth information to the second access network node based on the fourth information, the fifth information being used to instruct the second access network node to receive the random access request information of the terminal.

[0117] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive second information from the second access network node, the second information being used to indicate that the second access network node has completed the uplink synchronization, and further, to send the second information to the terminal.

[0118] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit first information, which is used to configure the first signal, specifically configuring at least one of the following parameters of the first signal:

[0119] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, retransmission mode, or its association with random access channels.

[0120] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit third information, which is used to configure the second signal, specifically configuring at least one of the following parameters of the second signal:

[0121] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, time interval between the carrier and the first signal, or correlation with the first signal.

[0122] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the method further includes: the transceiver unit is also configured to receive capability information, the capability information being used to indicate that the terminal supports transmitting an OOK signal, the capability information specifically being used to indicate one or more of the following:

[0123] Supported carrier for transmitting OOK signals, supported uplink for transmitting OOK signals (regular uplink and / or supplementary uplink), supported waveform types of OOK signals, supported antenna port configuration for transmitting OOK signals, supported sequence length of OOK signals, and supported maximum transmit power for transmitting OOK signals.

[0124] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor. The processor can implement the methods of the first to third aspects and any possible implementations thereof. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory, and the processor is coupled to the memory and can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the methods of the first to third aspects and any possible implementations thereof. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface. In the embodiments of this application, the communication interface may be a transceiver, a pin, a circuit, a bus, a module, or other types of communication interface, and is not limited thereto.

[0125] In one implementation, the communication device is a communication equipment (such as a terminal device or access network equipment). When the communication device is a communication equipment, the communication interface can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0126] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured within a communication device. When the communication device is a chip configured within a communication device, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0127] Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0128] A ninth aspect provides a processor, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute the methods described in the first to third aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0129] In specific implementation, the processor can be one or more chips, the input circuit can be input pins, the output circuit can be output pins, and the processing circuit can be transistors, gate circuits, flip-flops, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as both the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0130] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform the methods described in the first to third aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0131] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods of the first to third aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0132] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising at least one first access network node and at least one access network node as described above. The first access network node is configured to execute the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the second access network node is configured to execute the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the communication system further comprises at least one terminal as described above, the terminal being configured to execute the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0133] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of the features corresponding to the first aspect in the second to twelfth aspects can be referred to the relevant description of the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0134] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0135] Figures 2, 2A, and 2B are schematic diagrams of different architectures of the access network provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0136] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the application scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0137] Figures 4 to 7 are different schematic flowcharts of the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0138] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0139] Figure 9 is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0140] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following description is provided first:

[0141] In this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information for the purpose of instructing A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly instructs A, or indirectly instructs A.

[0142] In this application, " / " can indicate that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" can be used to describe three relationships between the related objects. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0143] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more, such as three, four, or more. Similar expressions (such as at least one, at least one, etc.) are used in the same way. "At least one of the following," "one or more of the following," or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, which may include only a single item or a combination of multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, or b, or c; a and b; or a and c; or b and c; or a, b, and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0144] In this application, for the convenience of describing the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish them. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0145] In this application, the words "exemplary," "example," or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary," "example," or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. The use of the words "exemplary," "example," or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0146] In this application, "sending information / data" only indicates the direction of information / data transmission, including direct transmission via the device's communication interface (such as an air interface, or simply air interface). "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of a module interface. "Sending" can include indirect transmission by the processing unit through the communication interface, meaning that after the processing unit outputs information / data through the module interface, it is transmitted to the device's communication interface and then sent out. "Receiving information / data" only indicates the direction of information / data transmission, including direct reception via the communication interface. "Receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of a module interface. "Receiving information / data" can include indirect reception by the processing unit through the communication interface, meaning that after the communication interface receives information / data, it is transmitted to the processing unit's module interface and then input to the processing unit. "Sending information / data to… (such as a terminal)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal. It can include sending information / data directly or indirectly to the terminal. "Receiving information / data from… (such as a terminal)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal, and can include receiving information / data directly or indirectly from the terminal. Information / data may undergo necessary processing, such as format changes, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information / data from the source. Similar statements in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be repeated here.

[0147] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation (5G) communication systems, satellite communication systems, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, and the solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems or other communication systems. This application does not limit these applications.

[0148] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, a core network (CN) 200, and a data network (DN) 300. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. Access network node (or RAN node) 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network device in core network 200 and the access network node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0149] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0150] Access network node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple access network nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of access network node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. Access network node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0151] In one possible scenario, the access network node can be a base station, such as an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), or a base station in a future mobile communication system. The access network node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Alternatively, the access network node can be an access point (AP), an access node in a WiFi system, etc. Optionally, the access network node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network node in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the access network node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The access network node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the access network node functions.

[0152] Access network nodes can be TRPs (Transmitter Points), a crucial concept in mobile communication networks, particularly in Massive MIMO and beamforming technologies. A TRP can be understood as a physical entity responsible for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals. A TRP can be an antenna array comprising one or more antenna elements, available for network use, located in a specific geographical area; one TRP corresponds to one coverage area. A TRP can contain multiple antenna ports for implementing multi-antenna technologies such as MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) and beamforming. TRPs can be fixed or mobile (e.g., TRPs mounted on drones or vehicles). TRPs are responsible for converting signals from baseband to radio frequency (RF) signals (transmit) and back to baseband (receive), and can also manage and allocate wireless resources, including spectrum resources and time slot resources.

[0153] In another possible scenario, multiple access network nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and these nodes jointly perform the functions of a base station. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the access network nodes can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0154] The CU and DU can implement some protocol layer functions of the access network. As shown in Figure 2A, the CU can handle non-real-time protocols and services. For example, the CU can implement the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. The DU can handle physical (PHY) layer protocols and real-time services. For example, the DU can implement the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to only one CU or to multiple CUs, while a CU can be connected to multiple DUs. CUs and DUs can communicate via the F1 interface. The CU can further include CU-CP and CU-UP, as shown in Figure 2B. The CU-CP can handle control plane functions, such as implementing the RRC layer and the PDCP layer control plane (PDCP-control, PDCP-C) functions. The CU-UP can be responsible for user plane functions, such as implementing SDAP and PDCP layer user plane (PDCP-user, PDCP-U) functions. The CU-CP and CU-UP communicate via the E1 interface. The CU-CP can communicate with the core network on behalf of the access network via the NG interface and with the DU via the F1-C interface. The CU-UP can communicate with the DU via the F1-U interface, but this application is not limited to this.

[0155] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open-CU (O-CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, any unit among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0156] A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used for communication in various scenarios. These scenarios include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), D2D, V2X, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, intelligent transportation, sensing terminals, terminals integrating communication and sensing, or smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones (as shown in Figure 1, 120a, 120j, and 120e), tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities (as shown in Figure 1, 120g), customer-premises equipment (CPE), point-of-sale (POS) machines, wearable devices, vehicles (as shown in Figure 1, 120b), drones, helicopters, airplanes (as shown in Figure 1, 120i), ships, robots, robotic arms, sensors, detectors, or smart home devices (as shown in Figure 1, 120h), etc.

[0157] Figure 3 is another schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. The communication system includes at least one terminal, such as terminal 301 as shown in Figure 3. The system also includes multiple access network nodes, which are different access network nodes of the serving cell of the terminal. Access network nodes 302 and 303 are shown in Figure 3. Access network node 302 has a downlink (DL) and an uplink (UL), capable of providing uplink and downlink transmission services to terminals within the coverage area. That is, access network node 302 can send downlink signals to terminal 301 and receive uplink signals from terminal 301. Access network node 303 is used to improve uplink coverage at the cell edge or to achieve network energy saving. Access network node 303 only provides uplink transmission services to terminals within the coverage area; that is, access network node 303 does not send downlink signals, only receives uplink signals. For example, access network node 303 can receive uplink signals from terminal 301. Optionally, the communication system may further include node 304, which may be an access network node in the serving cell of the terminal that implements control decisions. For example, access network nodes 302 and 303 are access network nodes that at least implement the access network PHY layer function, and node 304 is an access network node that implements other protocol layer functions of the access network, such as one or more protocol layers including RRC, SDAP, or PDCP. This application does not limit this. Node 304 may also be a node in the core network.

[0158] The relevant technologies and terms involved in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0159] I. Supplementary UL (SUL) and Normal UL (NUL)

[0160] Due to limitations in terminal size and battery capacity, the transmission power of a terminal is generally much lower than that of a base station. This means that within the cell coverage area, uplink signals transmitted by some cell edge terminals may not be received by the base station due to signal attenuation, thus affecting the normal operation of the terminal's uplink.

[0161] To enhance uplink coverage in high-frequency scenarios, base stations can configure SULs (Supplemental Uplink ULs) for terminals. When an SUL is configured, the terminal is assigned two uplinks for a single downlink within the same cell. These two uplinks include the SUL and the supplementary uplink, referred to as the Normal Uplink (NUL). Unlike aggregated uplinks, a terminal can only be scheduled for uplink transmission on either the SUL or the NUL; it cannot perform uplink transmission on both ULs simultaneously. The SUL operates independently of the NUL's spectrum, using a lower frequency band. Specifically, the SUL should operate within the lower frequency band of frequency range (FR) 1 to enhance uplink coverage.

[0162] Currently, terminals primarily access access network nodes through a random access procedure so that these nodes can provide uplink and downlink transmission services. Specifically, the terminal uses downlink reference measurements, such as the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH block or SSB) measurements, and leverages the dissimilarity of uplink and downlink channels to estimate the uplink state, thereby sending random access request information with appropriate parameters. However, for access network nodes that only provide uplink transmission services, these nodes do not transmit downlink signals. Therefore, the terminal cannot obtain downlink measurements, resulting in a lack of reference for sending random access request information. How to enable terminals to access access network nodes that only provide uplink services has become a pressing issue. One possible implementation involves the terminal referencing downlink measurements from other access network nodes in the serving cell to determine the transmission parameters for the random access request information. The terminal then uses the offset value estimated by the network side to determine the transmission parameters for the random access request information sent to the access network node that only provides uplink services. However, when the accuracy of the estimated bias is low, the terminal may need to try to adjust the transmission parameters for sending random access request information multiple times before it can access the access network node, or it may ultimately fail to access the access network node. This not only results in a large transmission power overhead for the terminal, but also increases the detection power overhead of the access network node that only provides uplink services.

[0163] To address the aforementioned issues, this application proposes introducing a pre-access phase before the terminal sends a random access request (RAP) message. During this phase, the terminal can send a signal, which an access network node providing only uplink services can detect. This allows the network side to obtain measurements of the uplink link between the terminal and the access network node. Based on these measurements, the network side can notify the terminal to send a RAP message through access network nodes with downlink connections to the terminal. This enables the terminal to send the RAP message based on appropriate transmission parameters, thereby improving the efficiency of terminal access to access network nodes providing only uplink services and enhancing system efficiency.

[0164] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0165] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. In this communication method, the first access network node and the second access network node are two access network nodes in the serving cell of the terminal. The first access network node is an access network node that the terminal has already connected to. There are uplink and downlink links between the terminal and the first access network node. The first access network node can provide uplink and downlink services to the terminal, that is, the first access network node can receive uplink signals from the terminal and can also send downlink signals to the terminal. The first access network node can be called an anchor access network node. For example, when the first access network node is a TRP, the first access network node can specifically be an anchor TRP. The first access network node can be access network node 302 as shown in Figure 3. The second access network node is an access network node that the terminal is to connect to. The second access network node only provides uplink transmission services to the terminal. For example, the second access network node is an access network node used to improve uplink coverage at the cell edge or to shut down the downlink for network energy saving. The second access network node can be referred to as an uplink-only (UL-only) access network node. For example, when the second access network node is a TRP, the second access network node can specifically be a UL-only TRP. The second access network node can be access network node 301 as shown in Figure 3, but this application is not limited to this.

[0166] It should be noted that the network-side operations described in the embodiments of this application can be operations performed by an access network node in the serving cell of the terminal or by a network node managing the serving cell. For example, it can be an operation performed by a first access network node or a second access network node, or it can be performed by a network node other than the first or second access network node, such as the operation performed by node 304 as shown in Figure 3. This application does not limit this.

[0167] The method 400 includes, but is not limited to, the following S401 to S405.

[0168] S401, the terminal sends the first signal to the second access network node.

[0169] For example, the first signal can be an on-off keying (OOK) signal. OOK signal transmission requires relatively small bandwidth, has high power density, and is easily detected. This application primarily uses an OOK signal as the first signal for illustration below. It should be understood that the first signal can be other signals, such as a frequency-shift keying (FSK) signal, a parallel OOK signal, or a specific symbol sequence based on an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform. This application does not limit the specific signal to these. The generation method of the above signal can be found in 3GPP document TR38.869.

[0170] The terminal can send a first signal based on first information from the first access network node. Specifically, the first access network node sends first information to the terminal, which is used to configure the terminal to receive the first signal. Accordingly, the terminal receives the first information and sends the first signal based on the first information.

[0171] For example, the first information is used to configure at least one of the following parameters for the first signal:

[0172] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, retransmission mode, or its association with random access channels.

[0173] The following provides a detailed explanation of the optional parameters for the first information configuration.

[0174] The first information can be configured to carry the first signal on a carrier. The first information configures the first signal to be carried on a normal uplink (NUL) carrier or a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. Optionally, the first information can be configured on both NUL and SUL carriers. The specific carrier on which the first signal is transmitted can be determined based on the transmission conditions described below.

[0175] The first information can configure the transmission conditions of the first signal. For example, the first information can configure a threshold for the terminal to measure the downlink measurement value of the first access network node. When the terminal measures that the downlink measurement value of the first access network node is greater than the threshold, the terminal determines that the transmission conditions of the first signal are met, and the terminal transmits the first signal according to other configurations in the first information. This measurement value can be based on the SSB measurement value, or it can be based on the measurement value of other downlink signals, such as the downlink signal measurement result of the channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0176] For example, when the first signal is an OOK signal, because the coverage of the OOK signal is worse than that of the random access request information, the OOK signal can only be sent within a certain coverage area of ​​the second access network node. Therefore, the initiation of the pre-access procedure based on the OOK signal by the terminal needs to be indicated by the system side. The network side can configure this measurement threshold through the first information so that the terminal can determine whether to send the OOK signal, i.e., whether to initiate the pre-access procedure based on the OOK signal, based on this measurement threshold.

[0177] Optionally, when the terminal supports both NUL and SUL, and a first signal is configured on both NUL and SUL, the first information can be configured with multiple downlink measurement thresholds, such as threshold 1 and threshold 2. For example, when the terminal measures the SSB of the first access network node and the value is greater than threshold 1, the terminal sends an OOK signal on the NUL based on the OOK signal configuration on the NUL in the first information; when the measured value is less than or equal to threshold 1 but greater than threshold 2, the terminal sends an OOK signal on the SUL based on the OOK signal configuration on the SUL in the first information; when the measured value is less than threshold 2, the terminal does not send an OOK signal, that is, the terminal does not initiate the pre-access process based on the OOK signal.

[0178] However, this application is not limited to this. The first information may not be configured with the transmission conditions of the first signal. The network side can predict whether the link quality from the terminal to the second access network node meets the conditions for starting the pre-access process based on the OOK signal based on the uplink quality of the first access network node. When the conditions are met, the network side can configure the terminal to send the OOK signal through the first information, or after configuring the OOK signal through the first information, send an indication message to the terminal to start the pre-access process based on the OOK signal when the conditions are met. After receiving the indication message, the terminal sends the first signal.

[0179] The first information can configure the time-domain resources of the first signal. For example, the first information can configure the time unit for the terminal to transmit the first signal, such as at least one of a frame, subframe, time slot, or OFDM symbol. The terminal transmits the first signal on the time-domain resources configured in the first information. Optionally, the first signal can also be a periodic signal, in which case the first information can include the periodic configuration of the first signal, such as the period start position and period duration.

[0180] The first information can configure the frequency domain resources of the first signal. For example, the first information can configure the frequency domain units for the terminal to transmit the first signal, such as resource blocks (RBs), RB groups, subcarriers, or subcarrier groups. For example, if the first signal is an OOK signal, the first information can configure the transmission bandwidth of the OOK signal, such as the frequency domain start position and frequency domain width, which can be specifically indicated by RBs or subcarriers, but this application is not limited to this.

[0181] The first information can configure the waveform of the first signal. For example, if the first signal is an OOK signal and coexists with an OFDM system, the first information can configure the waveform of the OOK signal used by the first signal to be OOK-X, where X represents X OOK modulation symbols within one OFDM symbol time, specifically these X OOK modulation symbols forming the OOK signal. From a coverage perspective, OOK-1 has the largest coverage, but requires a longer measurement time. OOK-4 has a smaller coverage area, but a shorter measurement time. The network can be configured according to specific implementation requirements. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0182] The first information can also configure the transmission port of the first signal. When the terminal is configured with multiple antenna ports, the first information can configure the antenna port through which the terminal transmits the first signal, such as using multiple ports to achieve beamforming to enhance the coverage of the first signal.

[0183] The first information can also configure the sequence length of the first signal. For example, if the first signal is an OOK signal, the terminal needs to send an OOK symbol sequence that meets a certain length. In the OOK signal, one OOK symbol corresponds to one bit, and an M-bit sequence is modulated onto M symbols. The second access network node can detect the OOK symbols contained in the OOK signal, i.e., the bit sequence it carries, to confirm whether it is the target OOK signal.

[0184] The first information can also configure the power parameters of the first signal. For example, the power parameters may include the target received power and the power control step size. For instance, if the first signal is an OOK signal, the first information can configure the target received power (OOKReceivedTargetPower) and the power control step size (PowerRampingStep) of the OOK signal. Since the terminal has established a communication connection with the first access network node, the network side can determine the power parameters by referring to the link parameters between the first access network node and the terminal. For example, the uplink path loss PL... ook =PL Anchor *α ook , where α ook It can be the bias coefficient configured in the first information setting, and this bias parameter α ook This can be predicted by the network side based on the distance between the first access network node and the second access network node, and the distance between the first access network node and the terminal. PL Anchor This is calculated by the terminal based on the downlink measurements between it and the first access network node.

[0185] The first information can also be configured with a retransmission method for the first signal. For example, the first information can be configured with a monitoring duration for the response information of the first signal. If the terminal does not receive a response information for the first signal within a first time period after sending the first signal, the terminal sends a retransmission signal for the first signal. The start time of this first time period can be determined according to a predefined method in the protocol, or according to the configuration of the first information, and the duration of the first time period is the monitoring duration configured by the first information.

[0186] Optionally, the first information can also be configured with a maximum number of transmissions or a maximum number of retransmissions for the first signal. Then, if the terminal does not receive a response to the first signal within a first time period after sending the first signal, and the number of transmissions or retransmissions of the first signal has not reached the maximum number of transmissions or retransmissions, the terminal sends a retransmission signal for the first signal.

[0187] The first information can also configure the association between the first signal and the random access channel (RACH) resource. For example, the first information can configure a time interval Δt, which is the minimum transmission time interval between the OOK signal and the random access request information. This ensures the network side has sufficient time to perform measurements and send the response information of the first signal to the terminal. That is, if the terminal sends the first signal, such as the OOK signal, at time t, the terminal will send the random access request information no earlier than time t+Δt. Specifically, the first information can also configure the association between a certain OOK signal (or group of OOK signals) and a certain RACH resource (or group of RACH resources). The random access request information associated with the OOK signal is carried on the RACH resource associated with that OOK signal. For example, if the terminal sends OOK signal 1 at time t, the terminal will send the random access request information on RACH resource 1 associated with that OOK signal no earlier than time t+Δt. At that moment, It is greater than or equal to the minimum transmission time interval Δt mentioned above.

[0188] It should be understood that this application is not limited to this. The association between the first signal and the RACH resource can be not only a time-domain association, but also an association between other transmission parameters, such as a frequency (frequency domain) association, or a spatial (spatial domain, such as beam) association.

[0189] Optionally, the terminal sends capability information to the first access network node, which indicates that the terminal supports the first signal. Correspondingly, the first access network node receives this capability information from the terminal. After receiving the terminal's capability information through the first access network node, the network side determines the first information (i.e., the configuration information of the first signal) based on the capability information and sends it to the terminal through the first access network node.

[0190] Specifically, this capability information may indicate one or more of the following first signals supported by the terminal:

[0191] Carrier, waveform type, antenna port configuration, sequence length, or maximum transmit power.

[0192] The above parameters will be described in detail below using the OOK signal as an example of the first signal. It should be understood that this application is not limited to this. When the first signal is an OOK modulated signal, the following can be referred to for implementation, and will not be repeated here.

[0193] 1) This capability information can indicate that the terminal supports carriers for transmitting OOK signals;

[0194] For example, the terminal can report to the network side the carriers that the terminal supports for transmitting OOK signals through capability information. For instance, the capability information can indicate that the terminal supports transmitting OOK signals in NUL and / or SUL, or the capability information can indicate that the terminal supports (or expects) to transmit OOK signals in frequency bands in FR1 and / or FR2.

[0195] 2) This capability information can indicate the waveform types of OOK signals supported by the terminal;

[0196] For example, the terminal can indicate the waveform types of OOK signals it supports through capability information. The waveform types of OOK signals supported by the terminal may include, but are not limited to, one or more of OOK-1, OOK-2, or OOK-4. As mentioned earlier, X in OOK-X indicates that one OFDM symbol time contains X OOK modulation symbols.

[0197] 3) This capability information can indicate the antenna port configuration that the terminal supports for transmitting OOK signals;

[0198] For example, a terminal can indicate through capability information that it supports 2 or 4 antenna ports for transmitting OOK signals, meaning the terminal supports transmitting OOK signals using a maximum of 2 or 4 antenna ports. And / or, the terminal can indicate through capability information whether it supports antenna switching between multiple antenna ports for transmitting OOK signals. Antenna switching is a key technology in wireless communication, capable of optimizing signal quality and enhancing coverage. Antenna switching is also known as uplink switching (UL switching).

[0199] 4) This capability information can indicate the sequence length of the OOK signal supported by the terminal;

[0200] 5) This capability information can indicate the maximum transmission power that the terminal supports for sending OOK signals.

[0201] The terminal sends a first signal, and correspondingly, the second access network node receives the first signal from the terminal.

[0202] Optionally, the second access network node may include a main receiver and a low-power receiver, wherein the power consumption of the low-power receiver is less than that of the main receiver. The second access network node can detect the first signal through the low-power receiver.

[0203] The second access network node detects the first signal using a low-power receiver. On the one hand, this enables energy saving on the network side. On the other hand, when the first signal is an OOK signal, the low-power receiver detects the OOK signal independently of the OFDM system, saving energy while isolating interference and improving the accuracy of the second access network node in acquiring uplink measurements based on the first signal.

[0204] The master receiver can be called the master radio (MR), the low-power receiver can be called the wake-up radio (WUR), and the first signal can be called the wake-up signal (WUS) or the uplink wake-up signal UL WUS. It can be understood that the first signal is used to wake up the second access network node. Specifically, the second access network node can perform uplink measurements based on the first signal to determine whether it needs to wake up the master receiver to detect the terminal's random access request information.

[0205] Optionally, the second access network node obtains the fifth information, which is used to configure the first signal, and the second access network node receives the first signal from the terminal according to the fifth information.

[0206] For example, the fifth information is specifically used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the first signal:

[0207] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, retransmission mode, or its association with random access channels.

[0208] The parameters for configuring the first signal in the fifth information configuration can be implemented with reference to the parameters for configuring the first signal in the first information configuration above, and will not be repeated here.

[0209] The configuration information of the first signal can be determined by the network side and notified to the terminal and the second access network node through first information and fifth information, respectively, so that the transmitting and receiving ends of the first signal can reach a consensus on the transmission and reception of the first signal and achieve accurate transmission of the first signal. For example, the configuration information of the first signal can be determined by the first access network node. Another example is that the configuration information of the first signal can be determined by the second access network node. After determining the configuration information of the first signal, the second access network node sends the first information through the first access network node to notify the terminal of the configuration information of the first signal. In this way, the second access network node obtaining the fifth information can refer to the physical layer of the second access network node obtaining the fifth information from a higher protocol layer (such as the RRC layer). Yet another example is that the configuration information of the first signal can be determined by a node in the network other than the first and second access network nodes. This node sends the configuration information of the first signal to the first access network node, which then notifies the terminal through the first information, and also sends the fifth information to the second access network node, which obtains the configuration information of the first signal through the fifth information. This application does not limit this.

[0210] Optionally, before sending the first signal, the terminal also sends a second signal, which is used for synchronization with the first signal. Correspondingly, before receiving the first signal, the second access network node also receives the second signal, using it to synchronize the receiver receiving the first signal.

[0211] For example, both the first signal and the second signal are OOK signals. The second signal is used by the second access network node to achieve uplink synchronization of the OOK signal receiver. After the receiver completes synchronization, the second access network node can receive the first signal more accurately, thus enabling the acquisition of uplink measurements based on the first signal. The specific implementation method is described below in conjunction with Figure 5. Please refer to Figure 5 below for implementation.

[0212] S402, the second access network node sends information 1, which is obtained based on the first signal.

[0213] After receiving the first signal from the terminal, the second access network node measures the first signal, obtains the measurement result, obtains information 1 based on the measurement result, and sends information 1.

[0214] For example, the measurement result may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), or reference signal received quality (RSRQ).

[0215] The specific implementation methods of information 1 may include, but are not limited to, the following implementation methods, which will be described in detail below:

[0216] In method 1-1, information 1 is used to indicate that the first signal meets the signal quality requirements. Alternatively, information 1 is used to trigger the terminal to send a random access request.

[0217] The signal quality requirements of the first signal can be predefined by the protocol or pre-configured by the network side for the second access network node. The second access network node can determine whether the signal quality of the first signal meets the signal quality requirements based on the measurement results of the first signal. If the signal quality of the first signal meets the requirements, the second access network node sends information 1. The signal quality of the first signal reflects the link quality of the uplink between the terminal and the second access network node, thereby determining whether the second access network node can provide uplink transmission services to the terminal. If the first signal meets the signal quality requirements, the network side can send a response message of the first signal to the terminal through the first access network node (i.e., execute S405), notifying the terminal to send a random access request message to the second access network node so that it can access the second access network node and enable the second access network node to provide uplink transmission services to the terminal. Optionally, the response message can also indicate the transmission parameters for random access, and the terminal can send the random access request message based on these transmission parameters. Alternatively, upon receiving the response message, the terminal can send the random access request message using the transmission parameters of the associated first signal.

[0218] For example, the signal quality requirement may include a signal quality threshold, and the second access network node may send the information 1 if the measurement result is greater than or equal to the signal quality threshold.

[0219] In one example, the second access network node can send information 1 based on the measurement results. If the first signal meets the signal quality requirements, information 1 indicates that the first signal meets the signal quality requirements or triggers the terminal to send a random access request. If the first signal does not meet the signal quality requirements, information 1 indicates that the first signal does not meet the signal quality requirements or does not trigger the terminal to send a random access request.

[0220] For example, information 1 can be 1 bit. If this 1 bit is "1", it indicates that the first signal meets the signal quality requirements, or that the terminal is triggered to send a random access request. If this 1 bit is "0", it indicates that the first signal does not meet the signal quality requirements, or that the terminal is not triggered to send a random access request. However, this application is not limited to this, and information 1 can also be implemented using multiple bits in mode 1-1.

[0221] In another example, the second access network node can send information 1 if the first signal meets the signal quality requirements, and not send information 1 if the first signal does not meet the signal quality requirements. Alternatively, the second access network node may not send information 1 if it does not detect the first signal. Accordingly, the network side will not notify the terminal to send a random access request if it does not receive a response (i.e., information 1) from the second access network node for the first signal. If the network side can determine that the signal quality of the first signal is poor or that the second access network node has not detected the first signal, it can conclude that the uplink quality between the terminal and the second access network node is poor, and the second access network node cannot provide uplink transmission services to the terminal.

[0222] In methods 1-2, information 1 is used to indicate the measurement result of the first signal.

[0223] After the second access network node measures the first signal and obtains the measurement result, it sends information 1 to the network side. This information 1 indicates the measurement result of the first signal. After receiving the measurement result of the first signal, the network side can determine whether the second access network node can provide uplink transmission service to the terminal. If it is determined that the second access network node can provide uplink service to the terminal, it sends a response information of the first signal to the terminal through the first access network node (i.e., executes S405), notifying the terminal to send a random access request information to the second access network node.

[0224] For example, the second access network node can send the information 1 to the first access network node, which then determines whether the second access network node can provide uplink transmission services to the terminal. Alternatively, the second access network node can send the information 1 to other nodes in the network, which then determine whether the second access network node can provide uplink transmission services to the terminal. This application does not limit this approach.

[0225] Methods 1-3, Information 1 is used to configure the terminal to send random access request information to the second access network node.

[0226] For example, information 1 is used to configure at least one of the following transmission parameters for the following random access request information:

[0227] Carrier, time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, or power control parameters.

[0228] Based on the measurement results of the first signal, the second access network node can determine the transmission parameters for the terminal to access the second access network node. These transmission parameters may further include power control parameters for the terminal to send random access request information, determined by the second access network node based on the measurement results. This allows the terminal to send random access request information according to the power control parameters that match the uplink between the terminal and the second access network node, reducing the probability of random access request information transmission failure and improving the efficiency of the terminal accessing the second access network node. These transmission parameters may include the carrier for the terminal to send random access request information, such as NUL or SUL. Furthermore, these transmission parameters may also include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources. This application does not limit this. It should be understood that Information 1 can be configured with one or more of the above parameters, and other parameters not configured in Information 1 can be configured by the network side for the terminal and the second access network node.

[0229] It should be noted that methods 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 described above can be implemented in combination. For example, method 1-2 can be combined with method 1-3. Information 1 can both indicate the measurement result of the first signal and configure the terminal to send random access request information to the second access network node. For instance, information 1 can configure at least one transmission parameter for the random access request information. Other transmission parameters can be determined by the network-side node based on the measurement result of the first signal. However, this application is not limited to this and other combinations are also possible, which will not be listed here.

[0230] S403, the first access network node receives information 2, which is obtained based on the first signal.

[0231] Information 2 can be information 1 from the second access network node (e.g., received from the second access network node or forwarded by other nodes on the network side). Alternatively, information 2 can be determined by the network side based on information 1 from the second access network node. In this case, information 2 can be understood as being indirectly obtained by the network side from information 1 obtained from the first signal. The first access network node can determine the response information to send the first signal to the terminal based on information 2. Information 2 will be described in detail below in conjunction with S404.

[0232] S404, the first access network node sends a response to the first signal to the terminal according to information 2. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the response to the first signal from the first access network node.

[0233] It should be understood that the response information of the first signal can also be called the feedback information of the first signal, or the response information of the first signal can also be called the trigger information. It can be understood as the trigger information that the network side triggers the terminal to send random access request information based on the first signal. This application does not limit the specific name of the response information of the first signal.

[0234] The specific implementation methods for the first access network node to send the response information of the first signal to the terminal may include, but are not limited to, the following implementation methods, which are described below:

[0235] In method 2-1, the response information of the first signal is used to trigger the terminal to send random access request information to the second access network node.

[0236] For example, the response information of the first signal includes 1 bit. If this 1 bit is "1", it indicates that the terminal is triggered to send a random access request to the second access network node. After receiving the response information of the first signal, the terminal can determine that the signal quality of the first signal meets the signal quality requirements (or, in other words, the link quality of the uplink between the terminal and the second transmission point meets the link quality requirements). Therefore, the terminal can send a random access request to the second access network node to access the second access network node, so that the second access network node can provide uplink transmission services to the terminal.

[0237] For example, the response information may also indicate the transmission parameters for random access, which the terminal can use to send random access request information. Alternatively, upon receiving the response information, the terminal can send the random access request information using the transmission parameters of the associated first signal. Or, the transmission parameters for the terminal to send the random access request information may be predefined by the protocol or pre-configured by the network side for the terminal via signaling; for example, the network side can pre-configure the transmission parameters for the random access request information for the terminal using the first information or other information mentioned above. This application does not limit this.

[0238] In one example, the information 2 received by the first access network node is information 1 from the second access network node. For instance, information 1 is the same as information 1 in method 1-1 above, where information 1 is used to indicate that the first signal meets signal quality requirements, or to trigger the terminal to send a random access request. As another example, information 1 is the same as information 1 in method 1-2 above, where information 1 indicates the measurement result of the first signal. Based on information 1, the first access network node can determine whether to trigger the terminal to send a random access request to the second access network node.

[0239] In another example, the information 2 received by the first access network node comes from a network-side node other than the second access network node. For example, the network-side node can receive information 1 from the second access network node to indicate the measurement result of the first signal. Based on the measurement result of the first signal, the network-side node determines to trigger the terminal to send random access request information to the second access network node, thereby sending information 2 to the first access network node. The first access network node then sends response information of the first signal to the terminal based on information 2, thereby triggering the terminal to send random access request information to the second access network node.

[0240] In method 2-2, the response information of the first signal is used to configure the terminal to send random access request information to the second access network node.

[0241] For example, the response information of the first signal is used to configure at least one of the following transmission parameters of the random access request information:

[0242] Carrier, time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, or power control parameters.

[0243] In one example, the information 2 received by the first access network node is used to indicate the measurement result of the first signal. The first access network node can determine at least one transmission parameter of the random access request information based on the measurement result of the first signal, and then send it to the terminal through the response information of the first signal.

[0244] In another example, information 2 received by the first access network node is used to indicate at least one transmission parameter of the random access request information. The first access network node sends the transmission parameters in information 2 to the terminal via the response information of the first signal.

[0245] In another example, information 2 received by the first access network node is used to indicate part of the transmission parameters of the random access request information, while another part of the transmission parameters is determined by the first access network node and sent to the terminal through the response information of the first signal.

[0246] It should be understood that this application is not limited to this. Alternatively, the first access network node may configure some transmission parameters of the random access request for the terminal through the response information of the first signal, while other transmission parameters may be predefined by the protocol or preconfigured by the network side for the terminal through signaling.

[0247] Optionally, as an alternative step to S404, if the network side determines, based on the first signal, that the second access network node does not provide uplink transmission service to the terminal, the network side can send indication information to the terminal through the first access network node. This indication information is used to instruct the terminal not to send random access request information to the second access network node, or to instruct the terminal to prohibit the use of the pre-configured random access channel resources of the second access network node, or to instruct the pre-configured random access channel resources of the second access network node to be invalid. Upon receiving this indication information from the first access network node, the terminal does not send random access request information to the second access network node, i.e., S405 is not executed.

[0248] S405, the terminal sends a random access request to the second access network node based on the response information of the first signal. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the random access request from the terminal.

[0249] This random access request information is used by the terminal to request access to the second access network node. In other words, the terminal sends random access request information to the second access network node in order to obtain uplink transmission services from the second access network node.

[0250] For example, the random access request information may be message 1 (Msg.1) in a 4-step random access process, or the random access request information may be message A (Msg.A) in a 2-step random access process.

[0251] Regarding method 2-1 above, the response information of the first signal is used to trigger the terminal to send random access request information. After receiving the response information of the first signal, the terminal sends random access request information to the second transmission point according to the transmission parameters predefined by the protocol or pre-configured by the network side for the terminal.

[0252] Upon receiving the response information from the first signal, the terminal can assume that the signal quality of the first signal meets the signal quality requirements (or, in other words, the uplink quality between the terminal and the second transmission point meets the link quality requirements). The terminal can then send a random access request to the second transmission point. The transmission parameters for sending this random access request can be found in the previous description and will not be repeated here.

[0253] For example, at least one transmission parameter used by the terminal to send random access request information can be the same transmission parameter used by the terminal to send the first signal. For instance, this transmission parameter may include power control parameters, and the terminal can use the same power control parameters as the first signal to send the random access request information. Alternatively, the random access request information can be sent using power control parameters associated with the power control parameters of the first signal, such as the sum of the power control parameters of the first signal and an offset being the power control parameters of the random access request information. This offset can be predefined by the protocol or configured by the aforementioned first information, such as the offset being included in the association between the first signal and the RACH resource configured in the first information. Furthermore, the power control parameters used by the terminal to send random access request information can be predefined or preconfigured parameter values ​​independent of the power control parameters of the first signal. Transmission parameters may also include other parameters; specific implementations can refer to the power control parameter implementation, which will not be elaborated here for brevity.

[0254] Regarding method 2-2 above, the response information of the first signal is used to configure the terminal to send random access request information to the second access network node. This response information can be used to configure some or all of the transmission parameters of the random access request information. The terminal sends the random access request information according to the transmission parameters configured in the response information of the first signal. When the response information of the first signal configures some transmission parameters, the other transmission parameters can be predefined by the protocol or preconfigured by the network side for the terminal via signaling.

[0255] Accordingly, the second access network node receives random access request information from the terminal.

[0256] Optionally, the second access network node obtains the fifth information and, based on the fifth information, receives random access request information from the terminal.

[0257] In one example, this fifth piece of information is used to trigger the second access network node to receive a random access request. For instance, the fifth piece of information could carry 1 bit to trigger the second access network node to send a random access request.

[0258] For example, the information 1 sent by the second access network node can be the information 1 used in the above-described method 1-1 to indicate that the first signal meets the signal quality requirements. The second access network node can obtain the transmission parameters of the random access request information and thus receive the random access request information from the terminal.

[0259] For example, information 1 could be information 1 in methods 1-3 used to configure the terminal to send random access request information to the second access network node. After receiving this fifth information, the second access network node can receive the random access request information from the terminal based on the transmission parameters determined by the measurement results of the first signal measured by the second access network node.

[0260] In another example, the fifth piece of information is used to configure the transmission parameters of the random access request information (or, in other words, to configure the reception parameters for receiving the random access request information). For example, the fifth piece of information may be used to configure at least one of the following transmission parameters: carrier, time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, or power control parameters. The second access network node receives the random access request information from the terminal according to the transmission parameters (or reception parameters) configured in the fifth piece of information.

[0261] For example, the information 1 sent by the second access network node is the information 1 used to indicate the measurement result of the first signal in the methods 1-2 described above. After the network side determines the transmission parameters of the random access request information based on the measurement result of the first signal, it notifies the terminal and the second access network node so that the terminal and the second access network node can reach a consensus on the transmission parameters of the random access request information.

[0262] For example, the information 1 sent by the second access network node is the same as the information 1 in methods 1-3 mentioned above, used to configure the terminal to send random access request information to the second access network node. After the network side obtains at least one transmission parameter of the random access request information determined by the second access network node through information 1, the network side can determine whether the transmission parameters determined by the second access network node are appropriate, such as whether the terminal supports the transmission parameters determined by the second access network node. The network side can notify the second access network node of the transmission parameters used by the terminal to send the random access request information through the fifth information, or in other words, the network side updates the transmission parameters of the random access request information through the fifth information, and the second access network node receives the random access request information from the terminal according to the transmission parameters configured in the fifth information. Alternatively, the fifth information may include other transmission parameters besides those indicated by information 1, and the second access network node receives the random access request information from the terminal according to the transmission parameters determined by the second access network node and the transmission parameters indicated by the fifth information. Or, the network side can trigger the second access network node to receive the random access request information according to the transmission parameters in information 1 by including the transmission parameters in information 1 in the fifth information.

[0263] It should be understood that this application is not limited to this. The second access network node may also not receive the fifth information. The second access network node can determine the transmission parameters of the random access request information based on the measurement results of the first signal and send information 1, and then receive the random access request information from the terminal based on the determined transmission parameters.

[0264] Optionally, the second access network node receives the first signal through a low-power receiver (such as a WUR) and receives random access request information through a main receiver (MR).

[0265] In one example, the second access network node can wake up the main receiver based on the first signal and receive random access request information through the main receiver.

[0266] For example, the second access network node determines that the signal quality meets the signal quality requirements based on the measured signal quality of the first signal, or determines that the second access network node can provide uplink transmission services to the terminal, and the second access network node wakes up the main receiver to receive the random access information of the terminal.

[0267] In another example, the second access network node can wake up the master receiver based on the fifth information and receive the random access request information through the master receiver.

[0268] If the second access network node receives the fifth information and determines that the network side instructs the second access network node to receive the random access request information, or in other words, determines that the network side instructs the second access network node to provide uplink transmission services to the terminal, then the second access network node receives the random access request information from the terminal according to the fifth information.

[0269] It should be noted that the aforementioned second access network node waking up the master receiver may include, but is not limited to, switching the master receiver's state to a normal operating state when the master receiver is in a sleep state, such as a low-power state or a non-operating state. Alternatively, it may involve switching the master receiver from a state of not detecting random access request information to a state of detecting random access request information. This application does not limit this.

[0270] After receiving a random access request from the terminal, the second access network node can execute subsequent access procedures to provide uplink transmission services to the terminal.

[0271] According to the above scheme, in order to improve the efficiency of terminal access to the second access network node, before sending random access request information, the terminal can send a first signal, so that the second access network node can measure the first signal and obtain the measurement result. This enables the network side to obtain the uplink quality between the terminal and the second access network node. Based on the uplink quality, the network side can determine whether the second access network node can provide uplink transmission service to the terminal. If it can, the network side will notify the terminal to access the second access network node through the first access network node that has established a downlink connection with the terminal. This can improve the reliability and efficiency of the terminal accessing the second access network node.

[0272] When the first signal is an OOK signal, the required transmission bandwidth is relatively small (e.g., 5MHz), and the OOK signal has a high power spectral density, making it easy to detect. Furthermore, the OOK signal has relatively high tolerance to time and frequency asynchrony, allowing for more accurate signal quality measurement results in asynchronous scenarios. To improve the accuracy of signal quality measurement results, this embodiment further proposes sending a second signal before the first signal. This second signal is used for uplink synchronization of the first signal. After the second access network node obtains the synchronization of the terminal's uplink signal based on the second signal, the second access network node then receives the first signal, enabling more accurate acquisition of uplink signal quality. In other words, the terminal sends two levels of signals before sending the random access request information; the upper-level signal (the second signal) is used for synchronization of the lower-level signal (the first signal), or, in other words, the second signal and the first signal use the same receiver, with the second signal used to achieve uplink synchronization of the receiver. A detailed description follows with reference to Figure 5.

[0273] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. Parts of this method 500 that are identical to the method 400 shown in Figure 4 above can be referred to the preceding description of method 400 unless otherwise specified, and will not be repeated here for brevity. This method 500 includes, but is not limited to, the following S501 to S507.

[0274] S501, the terminal sends a second signal to the second access network node, and correspondingly, the second access network node receives the second signal from the terminal.

[0275] The second signal has the same signal type as the first signal, such as both being OOK signals, FSK signals, parallel OOK signals, or specific symbol sequences based on OFDM waveforms. The second access network node can achieve uplink synchronization of the receiver with the first signal based on the second signal, thereby receiving the first signal of the same signal type as the second signal based on this uplink synchronization. The second signal and the first signal can be signals of the same signal type but different waveforms, such as the first signal being OOK-4 and the second signal being OOK-1. However, this application is not limited to this.

[0276] For example, when the first signal and the second signal are OOK signals, the second signal can be called the OOK-synchronization signal (SS), denoted as OOK-SS, and the first signal can be called the OOK-wake-up signal (WUS), denoted as OOK-WUS. However, this application does not limit the specific names of the first signal and the second signal, and the first signal and the second signal can also use other names.

[0277] The terminal can receive third information from the first access network node, which is used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the second signal:

[0278] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, retransmission mode, time interval between the carrier and the first signal, or correlation with the first signal.

[0279] The third information and the first information can be carried in the same message or in different messages. This application does not limit this. The configuration method of configuring the second signal with the third information can refer to the configuration method of configuring the first signal with the first information described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0280] The correlation between the second signal and the first signal can be a correlation between transmission parameters, such as a correlation between the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, or power domain.

[0281] In one embodiment, the association between the second signal and the first signal may include the fact that some or all of the transmission parameters of the first and second signals are the same. For example, the same transmission parameters may be configured in the first or second information, and the terminal sends the first and second signals according to the transmission parameters configured in one of the information. Alternatively, the first and third information may be carried in the same message, which may include a common parameter part and a non-common parameter part. The common parameter part includes the same transmission parameters for the first and second signals, and the non-common parameter part includes the respective transmission parameters that are different for the first and second signals. This application does not limit this, and the first and second information can be configured independently regardless of whether they are carried in the same message.

[0282] For example, the carrier waves of the first and second signals can be the same, but the waveforms can be different. The second signal could be based on an OOK-1OOK symbol sequence, occupying a longer OFDM symbol time, which facilitates WUR acquisition and synchronization. The first signal, on the other hand, could be based on an OOK-4 OOK symbol sequence. Since one OFDM symbol can carry four OOK symbols, the second access network node can complete the measurement within a shorter OFDM symbol time, reducing power consumption. Furthermore, the retransmission strategies for the first and second signals can differ; for example, the second signal may not be retransmitted.

[0283] Optionally, the second access network node may receive seventh information, and the second access network node receives the second signal based on the seventh information. The seventh information is used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the second signal:

[0284] Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, time interval between the carrier and the first signal, or correlation with the first signal.

[0285] Optionally, some transmission parameters of the second signal can be predefined by the protocol. The terminal and the second access network node can transmit the second signal according to the transmission parameters predefined by the protocol and configured by the third information. For example, the network side can determine the time-domain resources or time-frequency domain resources of the second signal and then notify the terminal and the second access network node. Other transmission parameters can be predefined by the protocol, but this application is not limited to this.

[0286] S502, the second access network node obtains uplink synchronization based on the second signal.

[0287] For example, the first signal and the second signal are OOK signals. The second access network node obtains uplink synchronization of the terminal's OOK signal by receiving the second signal. Further, if the second access network node uses a low-power receiver (such as a WUR) to receive the OOK signal, then the second access network node receives the second signal, obtains uplink synchronization of the terminal's OOK signal from the WUR, and after completing receiver synchronization of the OOK signal, the second access network node can receive the first signal. Specific implementations may include, but are not limited to, the following.

[0288] In one implementation, the first access network node sends second information to the terminal, the second information indicating that the second access network node has completed uplink synchronization. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the second information from the first access network node and, based on the second information, sends a first signal, i.e., executes S503.

[0289] Optionally, the terminal may detect the second information within a second time period. If the second information is detected within the second time period, the terminal sends the first signal based on the second information. The second time period is the time period after the terminal sends the second signal.

[0290] Optionally, the aforementioned third information can be configured with at least one of the start time, duration, and end time of the second time period. For example, the time interval between the second signal and the first signal configured in the third information is used to determine the start time of the second time period, and the third information also configures the duration of the second time period, so that the terminal determines the second time period based on the third information. Alternatively, the association relationship between the second signal and the first signal configured in the third information may include information related to the second time period.

[0291] This second time period can be referred to as the detection window for the second information. For example, the start time of this second time period can be predefined by the protocol as the end time of sending the second signal, or the start time of the second time period can be the end time of a second duration following the second signal. The duration of the second time period can be configured by the third information. The terminal can determine the second time period based on its start time and duration, thereby detecting the second information within the second time period.

[0292] Optionally, if the terminal does not detect the second information within the second time period, the terminal does not send the first signal. Alternatively, if the terminal does not detect the second information within the second time period, and the terminal sends a retransmission signal for the second signal, and the terminal still does not receive the second information after the number of transmissions of the second signal reaches the maximum number of transmissions or the number of retransmissions of the second signal reaches the maximum number of retransmissions, the terminal does not send the first signal.

[0293] If the terminal does not receive the second information, it can be assumed that the second access network node has not detected the second signal, possibly due to poor uplink quality between the terminal and the second access network node. Therefore, the terminal does not need to attempt to connect to the second access network node to avoid unnecessary power consumption.

[0294] In another implementation, the terminal sends the first signal after a second time period following the transmission of the second signal. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the first signal after a second time period following the reception of the second signal, i.e., executes S503.

[0295] For example, a first duration can be predefined through the protocol, and the terminal sends the first signal after a first duration following the transmission of the second signal. Alternatively, the network side can pre-configure a second time period for the terminal via signaling. For instance, the time interval between the first and second signals can be configured as the first duration using the aforementioned third information. After the terminal sends the second signal, it sends the first signal after a first duration Δt′. Specifically, if the terminal sends the second signal at time t, then the terminal sends the first signal at time t+Δt′. This second time period can be the time interval after the terminal sends the second signal, following the first duration.

[0296] The second access network node can determine that it will receive the first signal within a second time period after receiving the second signal. This second time period can be determined by the second access network node based on the seventh information. For specific implementation methods, please refer to the above-described implementation method for determining the second time period by the terminal, which will not be repeated here.

[0297] S503 to S507 in method 500 are the same as S401 to S405 in method 400 shown in Figure 4, and can be referred to the previous introduction, so they will not be repeated here.

[0298] According to the above scheme, the terminal sends two levels of signals before sending random access request information. The upper level signal (second signal) is used for synchronization of the lower level signal (first signal), which can improve the accuracy of the second access network node in obtaining uplink quality.

[0299] Optionally, the network side may instruct the terminal to send a first signal to multiple candidate access network nodes, which will then detect the first signal. One or more candidate access network nodes that detect the first signal can measure the first signal to obtain a measurement result, so that the network side can determine the access network node that provides uplink transmission service to the terminal based on the measurement result obtained by the candidate access network nodes measuring the first signal.

[0300] In one implementation, the network side can instruct the terminal to send a first signal, which is then detected by multiple candidate access network nodes. The network side then determines the access network node that will provide uplink transmission services to the terminal from among the multiple candidate access network nodes. This will be described in detail with reference to Figure 6.

[0301] In another implementation, the network side can instruct the terminal to send a first signal once to each of the multiple candidate access network nodes. Each of the multiple candidate access network nodes detects the first signal from the terminal, and the network side determines the access network node that will provide uplink transmission services to the terminal from among the multiple candidate access network nodes. This will be described in detail with reference to Figure 7.

[0302] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. In method 600, multiple candidate access network nodes include candidate access network node a and candidate access network node b. The candidate access network nodes only provide uplink transmission services to the terminal. For example, the candidate access network nodes are access network nodes used to improve uplink coverage at the cell edge or to shut down the downlink for network energy saving. The candidate access network nodes can be called uplink-only (UL-only) access network nodes, for example, they can specifically be UL-only TRPs. The parts of method 600 that are the same as those in method 400 shown in Figure 4 and method 500 shown in Figure 5 can be referred to the descriptions of method 400 and method 500 above unless otherwise specified, and will not be repeated here.

[0303] S601, the first access network node sends the first information to the terminal.

[0304] The network side sends a first signal through the first information configuration terminal, and the first information is sent to the terminal through the first access network node.

[0305] S602, the first access network node sends the fifth information to multiple candidate access network nodes.

[0306] The first access network node notifies multiple candidate access network nodes to detect the first signal via the fifth information. It should be understood that this method 600 is illustrated by the example of the first access network node sending the fifth information to the candidate access network nodes; however, it could also involve nodes other than the first access network node notifying the candidate access network nodes to detect the first signal.

[0307] For example, the network side can determine multiple candidate access network nodes near the terminal location that may provide uplink transmission services to the terminal, and notify the multiple candidate access network nodes to detect the first signal through the fifth information.

[0308] S603, the terminal sends the first signal. Correspondingly, multiple candidate access network nodes detect the first signal.

[0309] The terminal sends a first signal according to the configuration of the first information. Correspondingly, multiple candidate access network nodes detect the first signal according to the fifth information. These multiple candidate access network nodes may all detect the first signal, and each will measure the first signal to obtain a measurement result. The measurement results obtained by each candidate access network node can reflect the uplink quality between the terminal and the candidate access network nodes. It is also possible that some candidate access network nodes detect the first signal while others do not, for example, due to poor uplink quality between the terminal and some candidate access network nodes. Among these multiple candidate access network nodes, candidate access network node a and candidate access network node b detect the first signal and measure it to obtain their respective measurement results.

[0310] S604, candidate access network node a sends information 1a, which is obtained by candidate access network node a based on the first signal. Candidate access network node b sends information 1b, which is obtained by candidate access network node b based on the first signal.

[0311] It should be noted that the candidate access network node a sending information 1a and the candidate access network node b sending information 1b can be simultaneous or not simultaneous, and this application does not limit the order of transmission.

[0312] Information 1a is used to indicate the measurement result obtained by candidate access network node a from measuring the first signal, and information 1b is used to indicate the measurement result obtained by candidate access network node b from measuring the first signal. That is, information 1a and information 1b are two examples of information 1 in methods 1-2 above. When a candidate access network node detects the first signal, it sends the measurement result obtained from measuring the first signal so that the network side can determine the access network node that provides uplink transmission service to the terminal based on the measurement result of the candidate access network node.

[0313] S605, the first access network node receives information 2, which is obtained based on the first signal.

[0314] In one implementation, information 2 includes information 1a and information 1b.

[0315] In one example, after receiving the measurement results, the candidate access network node sends information (information 1a and information 1b) to the first access network node to indicate the measurement results. The first access network node receives information 1a, which includes receiving information 1a from candidate access network node a (e.g., directly received from candidate access network node a or transmitted by other nodes), and receiving information 1b from candidate access network node b (e.g., directly received from candidate access network node b or transmitted by other nodes).

[0316] In another example, a candidate access network node sends information (information 1a and information 1b) indicating measurement results to a node on the network side, which then summarizes the information and sends information 2, which includes information 1a and information 1b, to the first access network node.

[0317] In this embodiment, the first access network node determines that candidate access network node a will provide uplink transmission service to the terminal based on the measurement results obtained by the candidate access network node. The first access network node can execute S606 to notify the terminal to access the second access network node through the response information of the first signal.

[0318] In another implementation, information 2 is used to indicate that candidate access network node a provides uplink transmission services to the terminal.

[0319] S606, the first access network node sends the response information of the first signal to the terminal according to information 2.

[0320] The response information of the first signal is used to trigger or configure the terminal to send a random access request to candidate access network node a (i.e., an example of the second access network node). Specific implementation details can be found in the preceding description, such as the response information of the first signal in methods 2-1 or 2-2. Further details will not be provided here.

[0321] S607, based on the response information of the first signal, the terminal sends a random access request to candidate access network node a.

[0322] For details, please refer to the previous description of S405, which will not be repeated here. After receiving the random access request information from the terminal, the second access network node can execute the subsequent access procedure to provide uplink transmission services to the terminal.

[0323] Optionally, in method 600, the terminal may send a second signal before sending the first signal, and multiple candidate access network nodes may receive the second signal to obtain uplink synchronization of the receiver. Specific implementation details can be found in the description of method 500, and will not be repeated here.

[0324] According to the above scheme, the network side can be configured with multiple candidate access network nodes to detect a first signal sent by the terminal. One or more candidate access network nodes that detect the first signal can measure the signal and obtain measurement results. This allows the network side to determine the access network node that will provide uplink transmission service to the terminal based on the measurement results obtained from the candidate access network nodes. This enables the network side to select the access network node with better uplink quality from among multiple candidate access network nodes to provide uplink transmission service to the terminal, thereby improving the quality of uplink transmission service provided by the network side to the terminal.

[0325] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. The parts of this method 700 that are identical to those in method 400 shown in Figure 4, method 500 shown in Figure 5, and method 600 shown in Figure 6, unless otherwise specified, can be referred to the preceding descriptions of methods 400, 500, and 600, and will not be repeated here. This method 700 includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0326] S701, the first access network node sends first information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information from the first access network node.

[0327] The first access network node sends multiple first signals through a first information configuration terminal. The first information may include configuration parameters for the multiple first signals. The multiple first signals correspond to multiple candidate access network nodes, including first signal a corresponding to candidate access network node a and first signal b corresponding to candidate access network node b.

[0328] For example, the first access network node can determine the transmission parameters of the first signal sent by the terminal to each candidate access network node based on the locations of multiple candidate access network nodes and the terminal's location, so as to obtain the uplink quality between each candidate access network node and the terminal more accurately.

[0329] Optionally, the plurality of first signals differ in at least one of the following parameters:

[0330] Time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmit ports, or power control parameters.

[0331] It should be noted that the first access network node can send multiple first signals through a downlink information configuration terminal, or it can send multiple downlink information to configure the multiple first signals separately. This application does not limit this.

[0332] S702, the first access network node sends fifth information a to the candidate access network node a. Correspondingly, the candidate access network node a receives the fifth information a from the first access network node.

[0333] The first access network node notifies the candidate access network node a to detect the first signal a via the fifth information a. It should be understood that this method 700 is illustrated by the example of the first access network node sending the fifth information to the candidate access network node; however, it could also be that other nodes besides the first access network node notify the candidate access network node to detect the first signal.

[0334] S703, the first access network node sends fifth information b to the candidate access network node b. Correspondingly, the candidate access network node b receives the fifth information b from the first access network node.

[0335] S704, the terminal sends a first signal a to candidate access network node a. Correspondingly, candidate access network node a detects the first signal a from the terminal based on the fifth information a.

[0336] S705, candidate access network node a sends information 1a, which is obtained based on the first signal a.

[0337] When a candidate access network node a detects a first signal a, it measures the first signal a to obtain a measurement result and sends information 1a to indicate the measurement result.

[0338] S706, the terminal sends a first signal b to the candidate access network node b. Correspondingly, the candidate access network node b detects the first signal b from the terminal based on the fifth information b.

[0339] S707, candidate access network node b sends information 1b, which is obtained based on the first signal b.

[0340] When a candidate access network node b detects a first signal b, it measures the first signal b to obtain a measurement result and sends information 1b to indicate the measurement result.

[0341] In method 700, steps S708 to S710 are the same as steps S605 to S607 in method 600, and can be referred to the description in method 600. Further details will not be provided here.

[0342] Optionally, in method 600, the terminal may send a second signal once before sending multiple first signals, and multiple candidate access network nodes may receive the second signal to obtain uplink synchronization of the receiver. Alternatively, the network side may also configure a second signal corresponding to each of the multiple first signals for the terminal, that is, multiple candidate access network nodes correspond one-to-one with multiple second signals. The terminal sends a second signal once before sending each first signal, and each second signal is used by the corresponding candidate access network node to obtain uplink synchronization of the receiver. The implementation method for candidate access network nodes to obtain uplink synchronization based on the second signal can be referred to the description in method 500, and will not be repeated here.

[0343] Optionally, multiple candidate access network nodes detect the second signal. Upon detection of the second signal, they complete uplink synchronization of the receiver based on the second signal and send second information indicating that uplink synchronization has been completed. The terminal only sends the first signal to the candidate access network nodes that have received the second information. If, after sending the second signal, the terminal receives the second information from candidate access network node a and candidate access network node b, the terminal sends the first signal to both candidate access network nodes respectively. This optional approach can reduce unnecessary power consumption by the terminal.

[0344] According to the above scheme, the network side can be configured to send a first signal to multiple candidate access network nodes respectively. One or more candidate access network nodes that detect the first signal can measure the first signal and obtain the measurement result. This allows the network side to more accurately obtain the uplink quality between each candidate access network node and the terminal, thereby determining the access network node that provides uplink transmission service to the terminal. This enables the network side to select the access network node with better uplink quality from among multiple candidate access network nodes to provide uplink transmission service to the terminal, thus improving the quality of uplink transmission service provided by the network side to the terminal.

[0345] It is understood that, in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the access network node and terminal include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0346] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of terminals or access network nodes in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be one of the terminals 120a-120j shown in Figure 1, or it can be a network device 110a or 110b shown in Figure 1, or it can be a module (such as a chip or chip system) applied to a terminal or network device.

[0347] The communication device 800 includes a transceiver unit 820, which can be used to receive or send information. The communication device 800 may also include a processing unit 810, which can be used to process instructions or data to achieve corresponding operations.

[0348] It should be understood that when the communication device 800 is a chip configured in (or used in) a communication device, the transceiver unit 820 in the communication device 800 can be the input / output interface or circuit of the chip, and the processing unit 810 in the communication device 800 can be the processor in the chip.

[0349] Optionally, the communication device 800 may further include a storage unit 830, which can be used to store instructions or data, and the processing unit 810 can execute the instructions or data stored in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform corresponding operations.

[0350] The communication device 800 can be used to implement the functions of the terminal, the first access network node, or the second access network node in the method embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7 above.

[0351] When the communication device 800 is used to implement the functions of the terminal in the method embodiment shown in FIG4: the transceiver unit 820 is used to send a first signal to the second access network node. The transceiver unit 820 is also used to receive response information from the first access network node for the first signal. The processing unit 810 is used to control the transceiver unit 820 to send random access request information to the second access network node according to the response information. The first access network node and the second access network node are different access network nodes of the serving cell of the terminal.

[0352] When the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the second access network node in the method embodiment shown in FIG4: the transceiver unit 820 is used to receive a first signal from the terminal. The processing unit 810 is used to obtain fourth information based on the first signal. The transceiver unit 820 is used to send the fourth information. The transceiver unit 820 is also used to receive random access request information from the terminal.

[0353] When the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the first access network node in the method embodiment shown in FIG4: the transceiver unit 820 is used to receive fourth information from the second access network node, the fourth information being determined based on the first signal of the terminal. The processing unit 810 is used to determine the response information of the first signal based on the fourth information. The transceiver unit 820 is also used to send the response information of the first signal to the terminal.

[0354] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 810 and the transceiver unit 820, please refer to the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in Figure 4.

[0355] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 820 in the communication device 800 can be implemented through a communication interface (such as a transceiver, transceiver circuit, input / output interface, or pins, etc.). When the communication interface is a transceiver, the transceiver can consist of a receiver and / or a transmitter. The processing unit 810 in the communication device 800 can be implemented through at least one processor, or it can be implemented through at least one logic circuit. Optionally, the communication device 800 also includes a storage unit, which can be implemented using a memory.

[0356] As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 includes a processor 910 and an interface circuit 920. The processor 910 and the interface circuit 920 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 920 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include a memory 930 for storing instructions executed by the processor 910, or storing input data required by the processor 910 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 910 executes instructions.

[0357] In one implementation, the memory 930 may be integrated into the processor 910 or independent of the processor 910.

[0358] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the method shown in FIG4, the processor 910 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 810, and the interface circuit 920 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 820.

[0359] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal device, the terminal device chip can implement the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal device chip receives information from other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal device, the information being sent to the terminal device by the network device; or, the terminal device chip sends information to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal device, the information being sent to the network device by the terminal device.

[0360] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to a network device, the network device module can implement the functions of the first access network node or the second access network node in the above method embodiments. The network device module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, which is information sent from the terminal device to the network device; or, the network device module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, which is information sent from the network device to the terminal device. Here, the network device module can be the baseband chip of the network device, or it can be a DU or other modules. The DU here can be a DU under an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0361] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microprocessor units (MPUs), microcontroller units (MCUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), artificial intelligence processors (AI processors), neural processing units (NPUs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0362] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in an access network device or a terminal device. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the access network device or terminal device.

[0363] According to the method provided in the application embodiments, this application embodiment also provides a computer program product, which includes: computer program code, which, when executed by one or more processors, causes a device including the processor to perform the method in the embodiments shown in FIG4 to FIG7.

[0364] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed, in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, network equipment, user equipment, or other programmable device.

[0365] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium that stores the above-mentioned computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run by one or more processors, the device including the processor performs the method in the embodiments shown in FIG4 to FIG7.

[0366] As described above, computer programs or instructions can be stored in or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer programs or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium can be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or it can include both volatile and non-volatile types of storage media.

[0367] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a communication system including one or more of the aforementioned first access network nodes. The system may further include one or more of the aforementioned second access network nodes. Optionally, the system may also include at least one of the aforementioned terminals.

[0368] In the various embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus described above is merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0369] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this solution according to actual needs.

[0370] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0371] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send the first signal to the second access network node; Receive response information from the first signal from the first access network node. Based on the response information, a random access request is sent to the second access network node. The first access network node and the second access network node are different access network nodes of the terminal's serving cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first signal is used to wake up at least one access network node, the at least one access network node including the second access network node.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: If no response information is received within a first time period after sending the first signal, a retransmission signal for the first signal is sent; or, If no response information is received within a first time period after the first signal is sent, and the number of transmissions of the first signal has not reached the maximum number of transmissions or the number of retransmissions of the first signal has not reached the maximum number of retransmissions, a retransmission signal for the first signal is sent.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The response information is used to indicate at least one of the following parameters: The carrier, time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, or power control parameters of the random access request information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first information, the first information being used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the first signal: Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, retransmission mode, or its association with random access channels.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Sending the first signal includes: Send a second signal, which is used for uplink synchronization of the first signal; Send the first signal.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, the third information being used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the second signal: Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, time interval between the carrier and the first signal, or correlation with the first signal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first signal is the on / off key control OOK signal.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send capability information, which indicates that the terminal supports sending an OOK signal, and specifically indicates one or more of the following: Supported carrier for transmitting OOK signals, supported uplink for transmitting OOK signals (regular uplink and / or supplementary uplink), supported waveform types of OOK signals, supported antenna port configuration for transmitting OOK signals, supported sequence length of OOK signals, and supported maximum transmit power for transmitting OOK signals.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive the first signal from the terminal; Send a fourth message, which is obtained based on the first signal; Receive random access request information from the terminal.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The fourth information is determined based on the measurement results obtained from measuring the first signal.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The receiving of random access request information from the terminal includes: Obtain the fifth piece of information; According to the fifth piece of information, a random access request is received from the terminal.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The fifth piece of information is used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the first signal: Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, retransmission mode, or its association with random access channels.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The fourth information is used to configure the terminal to send a random access request to the second access network node; and / or, The fourth information is used to indicate that the first signal has been received; and / or, The fourth piece of information is used to indicate the measurement result of the first signal.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The fourth piece of information is used to indicate at least one of the following: The carrier, time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, or power control parameters of the random access request information.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The receiving of the first signal from the terminal includes: The first signal is received from the terminal via the first receiver; The receiving of random access request information from the terminal includes: Based on the first signal, a random access request information from the terminal is received by the second receiver.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The step of receiving random access request information from the terminal via the second receiver based on the first signal includes: The second receiver is woken up based on the first signal; The random access request information of the terminal is received by the second receiver.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that, The first signal is the on / off key control OOK signal.

19. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that, Receiving the first signal includes: Receive a second signal, which is used for uplink synchronization of the first signal; Receive the first signal.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain seventh information, which is used to configure at least one of the following parameters of the second signal: Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, time interval between the carrier and the first signal, or correlation with the first signal.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive fourth information from the second access network node, the fourth information being determined based on the terminal's first signal; Based on the fourth information, the response information of the first signal is sent to the terminal.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the fourth information, a fifth information is sent to the second access network node, the fifth information being used to instruct the second access network node to receive the random access request information of the terminal.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The fourth information is used to configure the terminal to send a random access request to the second access network node; and / or, The fourth information is used to indicate that the first signal has been received; and / or, The fourth piece of information is used to indicate the measurement result of the first signal.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The fourth piece of information is used to indicate at least one of the following: The carrier, time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, or power control parameters of the random access request information.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first information, which is used to configure the first signal. Specifically, the first information configures at least one of the following parameters of the first signal: Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, retransmission mode, or its association with random access channels.

26. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message, the third message being used to configure the second signal, specifically configuring at least one of the following parameters of the second signal: Carrier, time domain resources, frequency domain resources, transmission conditions, waveform, sequence length, transmission port, power control parameters, time interval between the carrier and the first signal, or correlation with the first signal.

27. The method of any one of claims 21-26, wherein, The method further includes: The terminal receives capability information, which indicates that it supports sending an OOK signal. Specifically, the capability information indicates one or more of the following: Supported carrier for transmitting OOK signals, supported uplink for transmitting OOK signals (regular uplink and / or supplementary uplink), supported waveform types of OOK signals, supported antenna port configuration for transmitting OOK signals, supported sequence length of OOK signals, and supported maximum transmit power for transmitting OOK signals.

28. A method of communication, comprising: include: The second access network node receives the first signal from the terminal; The second access network node sends a fourth message to the first access network node, the fourth message being obtained based on the first signal; The first access network node sends the response information of the first signal to the terminal according to the fourth information; The second access network node receives random access request information from the terminal.

29. A communications device, characterized by The device includes at least one processor, which is configured to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9; or to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 20; or to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 27.

30. The communication apparatus according to claim 29, wherein, The communication device further includes a memory coupled to the at least one processor, the memory being used to store the computer program or instructions.

31. A computer readable storage medium, characterized in that, The device stores instructions that, when executed on the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; or cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 20; or cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 21 to 27.

32. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product includes: a computer program that, when run on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 9; or causes the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 10 to 20; or causes the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 21 to 27.

33. A communication system, characterized by It includes a first access network node and a second access network node, wherein the first access network node is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 20, and the second access network node is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 21 to 27.

Images